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Presidents of Cameroon, Ghana order official investigations of World Cup failures

The Cameroon national team poses for a group photo before the group A World Cup soccer match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

DOUALA, Cameroon — The presidents of Cameroon and Ghana have called for investigations following disappointing World Cup showings that saw both countries eliminated during the group stage.

In Cameroon, state media said President Paul Biya had given his prime minister one month to submit a report on the Indomitable Lions’ “inglorious campaign.”

A statement from Biya’s office said the report should include steps for a “profound and deep restructuring of Cameroonian football.”

The state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corporation said President John Mahama had also decided an investigation was needed. Mahama has already replaced his sports minister.

Both teams placed at the bottom of their groups and had their campaigns marred by disputes over appearance-fee payments. Two Cameroon players also scuffled during a match against Croatia, and the national football federation derided their “disgraceful behaviour.”